The kids might be heading back to school but at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, there’s still time to celebrate the holidays with a brand new stage musical Summer Holiday, based on the iconic 1960’s film of the same name, starring Cliff Richard and The Shadows.
My Mother (a big Cliff Richard fan) and I were lucky enough to have been invited to opening night of this musical show which tells the story of Don and his fellow London Transport mechanics as they find salvation from the dreary English summer by renovating an iconic red double-decker bus, turning it into a hotel on wheels taking them through Paris, the Alps, Italy and Greece.
The gang meets all manner of people along the way including European Police, a singing group on their way to Athens for a performance, a Bride in need of a lift and a young American pop star who is on the run from the pressures of show business and her domineering mother!
Summer Holiday the movie is known for its music and the stage show does not disappoint, it is filled musical features many of 1960’s biggest songs including In the Country, Summer Holiday, Travellin’ Light, Bachelor Boy, Move It, Living Doll, The Young Ones and On the Beach. My mum was singing along throughout the show!
The cast had the audience under a spell with big swinging 60s musical numbers accompanied by energetic (I felt exhausted just watching) dance moves. Ray Quinn, runner-up in 2006’s X-Factor, takes on the lead role of Don made famous by Cliff Richard and his Don is charming and chivalrous.
I loved the production of Summer Holiday which is complete with 60s fashion, ‘skiing’ across the stage on heelies and of course, the famous red double-decker bus which I felt became one of the main characters in the show. Productions at The Orchard always have fantastic music and this show is no different.
In this feel-good hit the audience joins in an amazing Summer Holiday European adventure full of fun, laughter, hit songs, and of course romance. Summer Holiday at The Orchard in Dartford is sure to put a huge smile on your face and I can’t recommend it enough! I award it 5 stars.
Summer Holiday is running from the 4th September to the 8th September with shows at 2:30PM and 7:30PM. For more information or to book tickets see The Orchard Theatre website.
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